§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide resources for the improvement of the police cells at Chorley Police Station in order to meet health and safety requirements. [9100]
§ Mr. DenhamIt is for chief constables, in consultation with their police authorities, to decide how best to deploy available resources taking into account operational priorities and objectives.
I am informed by the chief constable that the cell complex at Chorley was taken out of routine use as part of the rationalisation of the custody facilities within the Division. Improvements were made at the two remaining divisional custody sites at Leyland and Skelmersdale.
The force has confirmed that the rationalisation has enhanced the quality of the division's custody service, improving the supervision, care and control of offenders.
The cells at Chorley remain available to the division if necessary.